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Trayvon Martin Project Part 1

This year long socio-political theatrical collaboration and exploration in partnership with Penguin Point Productions, and Valencia College East begins with the World Premiere of 6 short plays and a poem inspired by the tragic loss of Trayvon Martin. The works carefully explore race relations and equality issues within our culture and specifically within the Central Florida community. Playwrights include: Dennis Neal, Rob Winn Anderson, JanineKlein, James Brendlinger, Paris Crayton lll, and SteveSchneider. Directed by Beth Marshall, Paul Castaneda, and John DiDonna. Each performance will hold a post-show talkback with the audience. Performances will take place at Valencia College Black Box Theatre (701 North Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, Fl). Partial proceeds from this event benefit The Travyon Martin Foundation.

This production will be presented at Valencia College East Campus as part of their build up to the world premiere of their own original devised play centering around the inciting incidents of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, the 17 year old killed in a Jacksonville gas station parking lot. Researched and created by a class led by John DiDonna, this event will premier in Valencia College Theater’s February 2015 slot.

Each performance will have open forum talkbacks with the audience after the show.

Trayvon Martin Project Part 1 Reviews!

“Each [show] has at least one moving moment. Two in particular… show how shrewd use of language can craft piercing emotion.” – Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel. Full article here.

“It’s this complicated swamp of race relations in America that moved producer Beth Marshall to commission a series of short plays on the subject of Trayvon Martin’s death – and, widening the focus, on social justice issues around race, parenting and gun ownership in our state and our country. ” – Jessica Bryce Young, Orlando Weekly. Full article here.

“The talk back was every bit as powerful as the production itself. Change only happens when you open a dialogue.This is a daring production that certainly opened that dialogue.” -Thomas Thorspecken, Analog Artist Digital World. Full article here.

“But events like this show there is potential to talk and heal and work for a better America.” – Carl F Gauze, Ink 19. Full article here.

-Enter campus through the main entrance on Econlockhatchee.
-Take a left into the parking area. Please avoid yellow parking spots; these are staff only.
-The first few rows to your right should be labeled as “Visitor Parking”, but if these are taken, you can go ahead and find a normal white lined parking spot.

-Once you park, walk towards the college’s main entrance.

The building on your left (with 5 circular windows and a sliding glass door) is Building 3.
-The black doors to to your left upon entering lead straight into the Black Box!

Show Length: Approximately 90 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.

Rating: This show is recommended for ages 14 and up. Contains adult language, violence, and mature themes.

DO NOT call Valencia College to book a ticket, all ticketing is done through BMP. Tickets may be purchased online via PayPal, or at the door with cash or credit, no phone sales. Email Mike@BethMarshallPresents.com if there any questions or concerns.

Dennis Neal (Writer) was fortunate to have booked his first audition and a 27- year (and counting) career in theatre, film, and television followed. He originated the roles of Louis Armstrong and Joe Glaser in Terry Teachout’s ” Satchmo At The Waldorf”. Dennis is also a founding member of Mad Cow Theatre Company, one of Orlando’s premier companies. On stage Dennis has played everything from Scrooge in A Christmas Carol to Satan in The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot along with his work in plays by August Wilson, Athol Fugard, David Mamet, and Harold Pinter. For the past 15 years Dennis has been conducting classes and private coaching in both Orlando and Los Angeles in his Actor Intensives which have become the go-to for deep and meaningful work (www.dennisneal.biz) An active member of SAG-AFTRA, Dennis would like you to know how honored he is to be a part of The Trayvon Project. “THIS RIGHT HERE IS A MEANINGFUL THING”

Paul Castaneda (Director) is Artistic Director of the Greater Orlando Actors Theatre Performing Arts Ensemble, as well as a founding member of G.O.A.T. Locally, he has directed for Theatre Downtown, Playwrights Round Table, Beth Marshall Presents and others. He is honored to be taking part in this project, which tackles issues he cares very deeply about.

Kerry Alce (Trayvon/Boy) is a multi-talented musician and actor who would love to be an entertainer in his future life. He dreams of becoming a singer and ever since he started acting he thinks he may way to pursue it in his future.

Stelson Telfort (Jordan/Anthony/Darius) was born on July 18, 1992 in Orlando FL to Ismaelite and Serge Telfort. Early on in his life, Stelson found more interest in sports like Basketball. He has always had an interest in Acting but it wasn’t until 2013 where he became interested in pursuing what has always been a dream of his. Currently pursuing an A.A. Degree in Theatre at Valencia College, Stelson hopes to continue on to UCF or FSU to participate in their B.F.A program. The Trayvon Martin Project is Stelson’s first opportunity to perform on stage in many years. He also is currently employed at Universal Studio Florida as an Actor in the new Harry Potter attraction, Diagon Alley. In his free time, Stelson enjoys playing basketball, listening and singing along to music, and being in the company of his family and friends. He is also huge on comedy, living life full of laughter and always telling jokes because there’s not enough time to always be sad or upset. Stelson believes in living your life to the fullest and taking every opportunity that is presented to you so long as it beneficial to you. He hopes to take this opportunity that he has been blessed with as a huge stepping stone as he continues with his acting career.

Barry G. White (Bill/Senator Herbert) is originally from Orlando, Fl. He is a graduate of Jones High School, and attended theatre coursework at Valencia Community College. He has also received training from Lisa Maile Acting School. Barry has been in the entertainment industry over 15 years starting his career in music. He has performed in several plays, commercials, film, and the television show Dr. G. Medical Examiner. He is also an actor for the Orange County Regional History Center where he portrays historical characters from the history of Florida. In 2003, his love for children and sports led him to create an afterschool nonprofit youth organization, Community Involvement Targeting Youth Inc (CITY Inc), currently serving over 1,000 children in youth sports, tutoring, mentoring, and drama.

Michael Sapp (Ron) – Michael is very honored to be a part of this production. All the talents of our area have all come together in collaboration, creating something remarkably beautiful from such a tragic circumstance. Beth Marshall and all the powers that be, thank you for making this possible.

Steve Schneider (Writer) is a Central Florida playwright whose comedies Peg O’Keef Fixes the World and Escape From Baldwin Park were among the biggest hits at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival in the years 2010 and 2014, respectively. A professional writer and journalist for 24 years, he has been honored by organizations like the Society for Professional Journalists and the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies for his work in the areas of arts criticism and humor. His commentaries on the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case were among the most-read content of 2013 on orlandoweeky.com. Steve holds a bachelor of science degree in telecommunication from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in media, culture and communication from New York University.

StephenLima (Actor) is honored to be returning with Beth Marshall Presents where he was last seen in 33 Variations. Originally from Toronto Canada, Stephen is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and was a member of their prestigious showcase Company. Recent credits include Neville in Seasons Greetings (Baystreet Players), Raul in Extremities (GOAT Theatre), Michael in The Flight of the Earls, El-Fayoumy in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Empty Spaces Theatre Co.), Ariel in The Pillowman, (Hubris Theatre), Mellersh in Enchanted April, Peter in Legacy of Light, Tony Lumpkin in She Stoops to Conquer, Bill Walker in Major Barbara, Segismundo in Life is a Dream and Moss in Glengarry Glen Ross (Mad Cow Theater). Stephen would like to thank this wonderful cast & crew for all their hard work and dedication.

Adrian LePeltier (Actor) – Born and raised in Calcutta, India, Adrian attended and graduated (cum laude) from The Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena, California. After graduation Adrian moved to England performing with Wimbledon Repertory Theatre, Colchester Repertory Theatre and The Palace Theatre, Westcliffe on Sea.

From actor to dancer, Adrian also worked in cabaret production shows at “The Latin Quarter, “The Talk of The Town.” in London, England. Paris, France. Estoril, Portugal. Hong Kong, Reno, Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada all ports of call in Adrian’s dance career. Actor, dancer, Assistant Company Manager all titles Adrian was proud to be associated with. Add to that Show Director and Director of Concepts and Development at Universal Studios, Orlando and you pretty much have a complete picture of Adrian’s career.

Yes, there were televisions shows and films, but if you blinked, you missed Adrian! You just blinked!

Adrian’s Florida credits include The Orlando Fringe Festival. Several Productions at Bay Street Players, Eustis, Florida. The Seagull at Mad Cow, Orlando, Florida. The Icehouse Theatre at Mt. Dora. The Giver at Orlando Repertory Theatre. Also, The Orlando Playfest. At present Adrian can be seen as A Wandkeeper at Ollivanders Wandshop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, Orlando. He just completed Merlin at The Orlando Rep. With Beth Marshall Presents Adrian has had the great and good fortune to have been a part of Children of A Lesser God. A 60’s retrospective Beatnik.

Marcie Schwalm (Actor)- A native of Chicago, Marcie earned her B.A. in Theatre and English from Illinois State University in 1996. In 2001 she relocated to Orlando, and has worked with many local theatre groups since then, including Theatre Downtown, Empty Spaces, Playwrights Round Table, Women Playwrights Initiative, Breakthrough Theatre, and Moonlight Players. Favorite local roles have included Karen Weston in August: Osage County (Theatre Downtown), The Doctor in Nine Parts of Desire (Empty Spaces), and The Player in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead (Moonlight Players). Marcie is also a playwright whose work has been performed at various locales around Orlando; her most recent play was the critically-acclaimed one-woman show, Boogie Shoes.

Becky Eck (Actor) – This marks Becky’s third endeavor with Beth Marshall Presents. Past BMP shows are 33 Variations (Clara) and Alice Lost in Wonderland (Jane). She graduated with a BA in Theatre from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and, upon graduation, toured nationally with the Eckerd Theatre Company based out of Clearwater, FL for four years. She has been seen at The Garden in Jester Theater Company’s NoisesOff and Moonlight and Magnolias, as well as PB&J Theatre Factory’s SPORT, SNACK, and SLEIGH. Other Orlando credits include: Death of a Salesman, Enchanted April,Legacy of Light (Mad Cow Theatre), A Christmas Story, Tomato Plant Girl, and The Hundred Dresses (Orlando Repertory Theatre). She thanks Tim and Lula for giving her the roles she treasures most, wife and mother.

Janine Klein (Writer/Actor) is grateful to be writing acting and singing this season for PIAD, and the Trayvon Martin series as well as playing Janis for a night in Beatnik and closing up with her Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa extravaganza Cabaret in December!

Janine has performed in most venues in Orlando including: The Shakespeare Theater, UCF, Icehouse, MadCow, Osceola Center for the Arts, and The Winter Park Playhouse and last summer got to bring her hit Fringe show ‘Gay Bar Star’ to The Duplex in New York City.

Janine can be seen at Universal Studios and Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater for the last 7 years.

She wants to thank Beth for always believing in her and trusting in her work, especially as a writer. She would also like to thank her son Sage for being such a damn good kid.

Shonda L. Thurman (Actor)- Born in Flint, MI, she started her singing and acting career when her grandmother picked up a flyer from the public library and said “pick something to do for the summer”. She was accepted to the theatre magnet at Flint Central High-School, received a scholarship to Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL and then transferred to Stephens College in Columbia, MO where she earned her BFA in Performing Arts. She has most recently been seen in Harambe Nights, Lion King Concert in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on stage singing with Blues Brothers at Universal Studios, in the national tour of A Christmas Carol and in Town Square’s Orlando production of Disenchanted as Rapunzel and The One that kissed the Frog. It is her first year doing PIAD and she’s excited for the rest of her year Beth Marshall Presents. All performances are dedicated to the memory of her mother Sandra L. Thurman. Having now shared a stage with Viola Davis she knows all things are possible.

Paris Crayton III (Writer)- Paris has essentially been working in theatre and entertainment for a majority of his life. He began acting at the tender age of six and writing soon after. He began to study dance (Hip hop and Jazz) at seventeen and dance professionally for various artists for ten years. After college, he knew that he loved nothing more than the stage and dedicated his life to creating new, exciting works of Art. In 2003 he was commissioned by Brooks College (Long Beach) to write a full-length play for the students. In 2006 he was commissioned by Gifted Productions (St. Louis) to pen a play The Day Daddy Came Home and it played to sold out audiences. After a few more commissions he moved to Chicago IL. to attend Act One Conservatory, a two year program focused on training the actor. After completion he journeyed to Atlanta to co-direct and star in the play Tapestry of Shadows written by award-winning playwright/screen writer David Martyn Conley. This led him to a three year stay in Orlando Florida, where he was commissoned to write two brand new plays, Eye of the Beholder and Laying Where No One Can See which toured the state of Florida. While in Florida he wrote for the TBN owned, Holyland Experience and led to his plays being televised world-wide.

In 2010, Paris decided to make Atlanta his home and create a brand new theatre experience. He co-founded a theatre company, 3 Hill Productions and penned the first play of the season Brothers of Affliction which was called by avid theatre goers the best play to hit Atlanta in years. Brothers traveled to Orlando for the International Orlando Fringe Festival and was accepted into the D.C and Atlanta Black Theatre Festivals. It also received recognition in the illustrious Dramatist Magazine and Artsatl, the top online arts source in Atlanta.

In December of 2013 he co-founded another Rising Sage Theatre and is currently its artistic director. They have produced two plays written by Crayton. The Best Game, Levi, and at the end of August will be producing two of his one acts Chainz and Broken!

(Photo by Kristen Wheeler)

John DiDonna (Actor) has been an actor/director/writer in the Central Florida area for the last 24 years. Currently John is the Program Chair/Artistic Director of Valencia College Theater, Co-Producing Artistic Director and Producer of The Empty Spaces Theater Co(llaboration), and the creator and director of “Phantasmagoria”. This is John’s umpteenth Play-in-a-Day, but his first as an actor (previous years included both direction and playwright). John has worked heavily in the past with BMP, including shows at the Menello Museum, the Lowndes Shakespeare, and Garden Theater.

Arius West (Actor), 19 years old, is from West Palm Beach, FL and is a UCF Sophomore planning to study in the BFA Acting Program. Arius will be an Actor and this is his first year doing PIAD! At UCF, he has been involved in the One Act Festival, also known as OAF, in which he was an actor in an All-Student production and plans on doing it again in Fall 2014. Before college, the only experience he had was 3 Community Plays: King Arthur’s Quest, The Tortoise and the Hare, and The Wizard of Oz in which he played ‘Merlin’ the Wizard, ‘Bailey Blues’ the news reporter, and ‘The Green Guard’, respectively. In addition to that, his biggest accomplishment was starting a non-budget Drama Club with his English Literature teacher at his High School in 10th grade. Although he has only been in a few productions and has very little experience, Arius enjoys The Arts; which include drawing, painting, singing, dancing, and his favorite – acting. Arius is very passionate about theatre and is an aspiring actor and enjoys every aspect of performing.

Ronnell Thompson (Actor) has been acting since the age of 8 years old. He has done numerous ranges of roles in theatrical productions from HokeColeburn in Driving Miss Daisy to revolutionary leader Dap Dunlap in the theater production of Spike Lee’s School Daze. This is his second time working with Beth Marshal Presents and he looks forward to doing more productions in the future.

Sheryl Carbonell (Actor) is proudly celebrating her first show with Beth Marshall Presents. Her first theatre experience began in her hometown, Windsor Ontario, Canada, where she played the role of July in Annie. After moving to Florida, Sheryl earned her Masters Degree in Music Education and Performance at the University of Central Florida where she performed in Cabaret. After graduating, Sheryl taught music by day and performed several shows with the Orlando Opera Company’s ensemble by night, including Tosca, Falstaff, Elixer of Love, and Aida. She landed her first operatic principal role as the Third Spirit in the Magic Flute before the Opera Company closed. The Opera Company’s closing prompted her to pursue her dream of acting. Since then she has appeared in MSNBC.com’s Mom’s Homeroom as the Arts’ Advocate Host, regional commercials, independent films and theatre productions, most recently, DreamGirls at the MadCow theatre and Jackie and Me at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.

Gabi Hockensmith (Actor) is an actor in this year’s Play-in-a-Day and it’s her first year! She’s so excited to be working with Beth and this wonderful company of talented people. She is a Junior at Boone High School where she has portrayed Matron Mama Morton in Chicago:The Musical and Becky in The Little Princess:Sara’s Heart written by Orlando’s own Rob Winn Anderson as well as being featured as a player in Deep Thoughts Improv at Boone High School with Rob Ward for 2 years. She is also going to be featured in the upcoming Trayvon Martin Project presented by Beth Marshall as Amanda in Worthless directed by John DiDonna. She wants to thank her parents for their endless support, Caylonna and Bryce and Ms.Tiffany Weagly for showing her the world of theatre and reminding her to maintain her light.

Rob Winn Anderson (Writer)- As a playwright, Rob has been a Winner and Finalist for some of theater’s most prestigious awards and development programs. In addition to his contribution to Beth Marshall Presents’ The Trayvon Martin Project, Rob will premiere his new musical, Christmas by Committee, at the Garden Theatre in November. The 2013-2014 theatrical season saw five productions of four of his full-length plays (quite a feat for a relatively unknown artist). His play, A Tennessee Walk, was produced at the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre as well as Jacksonville State University. A Fine Line had its world premiere at the Clockwise Theatre in Waukegan, IL. A Little Princess – Sara’s Heart was produced as Boone High School’s fall play. And, Alice Lost in Wonderland (now Shattered Alice) premiered as part of the Beth Marshall Presents season to impressive audience response. Rob’s selected directorial works include: Hairspray, the Broadway Musical; Alice Lost in Wonderland; Biloxi Blues; Legally Blonde;The Wizard of Oz; Steppin’ Out with Irving Berlin; Crazy for Gershwin; Dracula; She Loves Me; Shipwrecked; Superior Donuts (Southeastern Regional premiere); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Southeastern Regional premiere); The Matchmaker;The Rainmaker; An Inspector Calls; The Paper Bag Princess; A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas: James and the Giant Peach;The Queen’s Physician;Almost, Maine;After Juliet;Maryland; Shatter the Sky;Noodling Inspiration;The Sandman Says Goodnight;A Thurber Carnival;Anne of the Thousand Days and The Miracle Worker. Love to Tara, Tay and CK!

CK Anderson (Actor) – CK’s credits include leading roles in Hairspray, Chicago, Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde, Biloxi Blues, The Diviners, The Flight of the Earls, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, To Kill a Mockingbird, Anatomy of Gray, The Wizard of Oz, Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man, 42nd Street, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Curious Savage and Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Love to Mom, Dad and Taylor!

Viet-Dung Nguyen (Actor)- This production marks Viet Nguyen’s third time working with BMP. Previously, he participated as an actor and then as a writer for Play-in-a-Day, in 2012 and 2013. Viet has written and performed two solo shows, Reincarnation Soup and The Monkey King, at the Orlando Fringe. Other favorite acting credits include Macbeth with Sisyphus Productions, Rashomon and Eurydice with Mad Cow Theatre, Elegies for Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens with Checkerboard Productions, and Cowboy Versus Samurai with the Asian Pacific Arts Scene, Inc.

Cydney Clark (Actor) is a senior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Spruce Creek High School. She is very excited to be performing in Play-in-A-Day for the first time! Some past roles of hers include Daniela (In the Heights), Joanne (RENT), and Ronette (Little Shop of Horrors). She would like to thank Beth for such a great opportunity.

Momo Earle (Actor)- This is Momo’s fourth production with Beth Marshall Presents, and will also be seen in Beatnik Squared as a Young Beatnik this November. Momo Earle was also seen in Play-In-A-Day this season. Momo Earle has been in many other productions throughout Orlando and in her free time, sings, and plays guitar and bass. She would like to thank her friends, family and Beth Marshall for giving her the opportunity to be involved in this important event.

The Scoop

Beth Marshall Presents is a 10 year old independent nomadic theatre company based in Orlando Florida, committed to producing theatre that challenges our audiences, deeply explores the human condition and offers high quality production values with a special focus on contemporary and newer works, original premieres, socio-political dramas, touring festival circuits and bridging the gap for emerging artists transitioning to professional theatre.

What Beth Likes

Original Art in all its forms, Fringe Festivals globally, bohemian artistic lifestyle and art that is FABULOUS and DOES NOT SUCK!